Evaluation

So proud and excited about my latest teaching evaluation!  It had been three years since my last one, and since we got a new principal at my school this year, I wasn't sure what to expect!  But I really like my new boss, she and I hit it off right from the beginning, thank goodness!  She came into my room and observed as I taught a 30 minute lesson, judging me on 14 criteria, including learning outcomes, instructional techniques, discipline, efficiency, and communication.  Each criteria was rated on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being "exemplary".  I was so happy and relieved to score a perfect 5 in every area.  Hooray!  

In the comments section she wrote... "Janeal is a passionate teacher who loves her content and loves sharing it.  She interacts positively with everyone, and is quick to volunteer to help with any task.  Students share that they love music class and Janeal is the reason.  She is a great asset to the school." 

Wow!  Nice to get feedback like that.  I love my job! 

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Called to Serve

So happy for my parents who are going on a mission.  We all got together last week to watch them open their call....Minnesota, Minneapolis mission!  They will serve for 18 months, and enter the MTC on April 2nd.  What an exciting thing for them and for our whole family!

Mom organized a little contest to see who could guess closest to their mission.  The top five each got a prize.  I had guessed Russia...no prize for me!  Amy came closest with Nauvoo, Illinois.  They also bought a little notebook for each grandchild, and challenged each of them to write to Grandma and Grandpa once a month.

 

After the big opening, we ate homemade soup, salad, rolls, dessert, and a darling cake Katie had decorated for the occasion.  We all had a fun time eating, talking and visiting.  It was a wonderful evening!

Seventeen

 

My boy is now seventeen years old.  I count my lucky stars that I get to have him in my life.  He gave me my first and only chance to raise a son, and I still, when I stop to think of what that means to me, get a lump in my throat.  Seventeen.  I get him all to myself for another two years.  And I will cherish every moment.